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I am a stay-at-home mother of two whose passion (besides my family) is books. I am an avid reader who enjoys all types of books, although I mainly read fiction. In addition to reading, I also love crocheting, knitting, cooking, running, and watching Penn State sports. Contact me: bookingmama@gmail.com
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Friday, July 27, 2012

I wanted to share with you some exciting news for all of you Sweet Valley fans out there. This summer, St. Martin's Press is releasing six episodes in THE SWEET LIFE e-series. Starting July 15th, stories will be released every
two weeks this summer for only $1.99
per story episode. Both long-time and new fans of this series will enjoy reading about Elizabeth and
Jessica as they navigate their ways through some very interesting situations.

I hate to even admit this, but I think I was a little too old when the Sweet Valley books were first issued; and as a result, I wasn't familiar with all of Elizabeth and Jessica's escapades. However, that doesn't mean that I am not familiar with this hugely successful series and these two larger-than-life characters. I sincerely doubt that I will even go back and read the entire series, but I was curious to see what these new stories were like -- especially since they are geared towards adults.

I decided to start with THE SWEET LIFE #1 and I admit that I was a bit hesitant. These stories aren't really my usual reading fare and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to follow the story since I definitely don't have much background on these characters. I was surprised to find that this first episode was actually entertaining -- not in the "OMG this is amazing literature" way, but more in a "guilty pleasure" way. This episode very much reminded me of a televised soap because it was filled with lots of drama, plotting, and back-stabbing; and it is ideal for an escape summer read.

This first story definitely ended with a cliffhanger (again, much like a soap) and it did make me want to continue reading the second episode -- LIES AND OMISSIONS. I am guessing that these short stories are very different from the books many of you remember from your childhood. The characters are very adult and not always nice. Having said that, I can definitely see the appeal of these characters and their actions; and I have a feeling that fans of this series will have a lot of fun with these six stories.

THE SWEET LIFE #1 begins three years after the events of Sweet Valley Confidential; Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield are back in Sweet Valley and inseparable once more. Things are looking up for both twins: Elizabeth is a star reporter at the LA Tribune with a popular blog, and Jessica’s PR career is on the fast-track. But while the professional lives of the Wakefield sisters are secure, their personal lives may be in jeopardy. Jessica, now a mother, finds that managing parenthood, marriage, and a job is harder than she expected, while Elizabeth and Bruce must face a scandal that could strengthen their bond…or tear them apart for ever.
Meanwhile, life goes on in Sweet Valley. Families are made, hearts are broken, and…Lila Fowler is a reality TV star? Some things never change.

THE SWEET LIFE, LIES AND OMISSIONS: Jessica finds her marriage to Todd hanging by a thread. Meanwhile, Lila Fowler, reality TV star extraordinaire, embarks on a risky scheme that could win her fame but cost her everything. And the scandal rocking Sweet Valley deepens for Elizabeth and Bruce, who find themselves at odds when loyalty conflicts with the need for the truth. The Sweet Life #2: Lies and Omissions picks up right where the first episode leaves off, and the stakes get even higher!

THE SWEET LIFE, TOO MANY DOUBTS: Jessica finds her marriage to Todd in jeopardy after she makes a terrible mistake. Meanwhile, reality TV star extraordinaire Lila Fowler’s fame-seeking scheme backfires in the worst way. And the scandal threatening to tear Elizabeth and Bruce apart only gets worse when the District Attorney gets involved. The Sweet Life #3: Too Many Doubts races to a shocking ending that will leave readers clamoring for more!

THE SWEET LIFE, SECRETS AND SEDUCTIONS:
Jessica, now a mother, is trying to reconcile a colossal mistake that may have cost her Todd forever. Meanwhile, reality TV star extraordinaire Lila Fowler’s in desperate straits after her fame-seeking scheme has unexpected repercussions. And Elizabeth and Bruce struggle to cope with the fallout of the scandal that’s torn them apart, made worse after Bruce makes a shocking decision. The Sweet Life #4: Secrets and Seductions turns up the heat as the serial speeds towards its explosive conclusion.

THE SWEET LIFE, CUTTING THE TIES: From Francine Pascal, creator of Sweet Valley High and author of the New York Times bestselling Sweet Valley Confidential, comes the fifth novella-length installment of the groundbreaking, six-part, e-serial, The Sweet Life, continuing the adventures of beautiful blonde twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield and the gang from Sweet Valley

THE SWEET LIFE, BITTERSWEET:
From Francine Pascal, creator of Sweet Valley High and author of the New York Times bestselling Sweet Valley Confidential, comes the sixth novella-length installment of the groundbreaking, six-part, e-serial, The Sweet Life, continuing the adventures of beautiful blonde twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield and the gang from Sweet Valley.